#BookReview Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky @BarbaraDelinsky @StMartinsPress Title: Before and Again

Author: Barbara Delinsky

Published by: St. Martin's Press on Jun. 26, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: St. Martin's Press

Book Rating: 7.5/10

Mackenzie Cooper took her eyes off the road for just a moment but the resulting collision was enough to rob her not only of her beloved daughter but ultimately of her marriage, family, and friends―and thanks to the nonstop media coverage, even her privacy. Now she lives in Vermont under the name Maggie Reid, in a small house with her cats and dog. She’s thankful for the new friends she’s made―though she can’t risk telling them too much. And she takes satisfaction in working as a makeup artist at the luxurious local spa, helping clients hide the visible outward signs of their weariness, illnesses, and injuries. Covering up scars is a skill she has mastered.

Her only goal is to stay under the radar and make it through her remaining probation. But she isn’t the only one in this peaceful town with secrets. When a friend’s teenage son is thrust into the national spotlight, accused of hacking a powerful man’s Twitter account, Maggie is torn between pulling away and protecting herself―or stepping into the glare to be at their side. As the stunning truth behind their case is slowly revealed, Maggie’s own carefully constructed story begins to unravel as well. She knows all too well that what we need from each other in this difficult world is comfort. But to provide it, sometimes we need to travel far outside our comfort zones.


Review:

Heartwarming, poignant, and sweet!

Before and Again is a heartfelt, entertaining story about accepting the things you can’t change, letting go of the past, forgiving one’s self, surviving, taking chances, and moving on.

The writing is fluid and well turned. The characters are flawed, supportive, lovable, and real. And the plot is an emotional, engaging tale with a side of mystery that’s full of heartache, loss, grief, guilt, hope, friendship, relationship dynamics, family drama, romance, and second-chance love.

Before and Again, overall, is another beautiful, uplifting tale by Delinsky that ultimately reminds us that life is truly precious and even with the ups and downs, highs and lows, it’s definitely meant to be lived.

 

This book will be published on June 26, 2018.

Preorder now from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                             

 

 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Barbara Delinsky

Barbara Delinsky is the author of such New York Times bestselling books as Before and Again and Sweet Salt Air. She has been published in twenty-eight languages worldwide. A lifelong New Englander, Delinsky earned a B.A. in psychology at Tufts University and an M.A. in sociology at Boston College. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, more books than she'll ever be able to read, two tennis racquets, and enough electronic devices to keep in close touch with her children and their families.

Photo by Kerry Brett.